Originally established in the 1830’s as a rural hunting ground and agricultural district, Şişli gained in popularity as a residential area around the 1870’s. Mostly inhabited by wealthy foreigners, Ottoman officials and celebrated intellectuals of the period, Şişli was full of mansions with gardens.

In the late 19th century, the mansions with gardens gave way to apartments buildings.
Today, Şişli finds itself in the heart of the city and is an active center of trade and commerce and a noted shopping district.